A fire that destroyed a huge cold-storage warehouse in Los Angeles on 17 June has left behind roughly 85 million lb (39 million kg) of rotting meat, poultry and seafood, causing an overwhelming stench that has plagued the surrounding Boyle Heights neighbourhood for nearly two months. Local residents and business owners say the smell, along with swarms of flies and rats, has driven away customers and made daily life unbearable, while officials say the clean-up by warehouse operator Lineage has been far slower than expected.

Lineage said around 80% of the food waste had been cleared as of Monday, but city officials say the company's response "has fallen short" and have issued public health and safety violation notices. A city-commissioned inspection warned that the waste and heat could accelerate the breeding of flies capable of infecting open wounds in people and animals, while residents report rat traps too small to cope with the infestation. Mayor Karen Bass, who faces re-election this year, said she has been directing city departments and outside partners to support Boyle Heights, acknowledging residents' frustration over the pace and transparency of the response.